Automotive, aerospace, medical technology - high-tech industries rely on first-class precision tools for the reliable, highly accurate and, not least, cost-effective production of their components, which are often made from materials that are difficult to machine. Alsameca from Lutterbach in France (Haut-Rhin department) has made a name for itself in these industries with its high-quality cutting tools. The company works closely with coating expert Cemecon to develop solutions for special applications, such as diamond-coated indexable inserts.

State-of-the-art machinery

Anyone entering Alsameca's production facility in Lutterbach is immediately struck by the cleanliness and obvious love of order as well as the state-of-the-art machinery. Automated grinding centers, robot-controlled test benches, optimized production management - the manufacturer of precision tools and regrinders spares no expense or effort to ensure the quality of its products and, at the same time, its ability to react quickly. The aim is to "increase our productivity, gain market share and remain competitive," says Pascal Guichard, founder and director of the ASP Group, which also includes Alsameca. To this end, he is constantly investing in automation and digital technologies. Alsameca joined the ASP Group (Affûtage Service Performance) in 2008 with a total of 49 employees. ASP is known for its versatility in grinding and the manufacture of cutting tools and wear parts (solid carbide, brazed carbide or high-speed steel).

Alsameca has been grinding precision tools for 42 years - today, with 19 employees, it grinds around 140,000 tools a year - and has already designed many customized solutions for a wide range of industries. The experts know exactly how important the interaction between substrate, cutting edge geometry and coating is. This is why ASP also has its own in-house PVD coating expertise and uses it successfully mainly for standard tools. Alsameca also relies on the experience of Cemecon for precision tools for special applications where first-class premium coatings are required.

Processing lightweight materials